Types of Teeth Diseases: What You Need to Know

We all want healthy teeth and gums for a winning smile, fresh breath and an increase in our level of confidence. But did you know that about half of adults have or have ever had halitosis (also known as bad breath)? It is one of the most common dental problems and also one of the most treatable.

Tooth decay

, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the most frequent dental issue dentists encounter in patients. Almost everyone has experienced tooth decay at some point in their life.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film, called plaque, on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria produce acids from the sugars in food which corrode and damage the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. The acids then start to act on the softer dentin layer that lies beneath the enamel. Dental care begins with assessing the extent of tooth decay and recommending a course of action.

This can include fillings, crowns, or a root canal. The option chosen may be extraction followed by dental implants or dentures. You can help prevent cavities by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly (twice a day). In addition, have regular checkups with your dentist to scrape the plaque off your teeth.

Gingivitis is the mild, early form of periodontal or gum disease. It is a bacterial infection caused by plaque buildup. The most common symptoms are red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. You may also experience bad breath and sensitive teeth that hurt when you chew.

Skipping brushing and using poor brushing techniques can contribute to gum disease. So can crooked teeth that are difficult to brush properly. Other risk factors include tobacco use, pregnancy, and diabetes. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.

This occurs when the gum bags become infected which can cause damage to the bone and tissue that support the teeth, as they also become infected. Dental care for periodontitis includes topical antibiotics to treat the infection or referral to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease. Because the causes of bad breath are so varied, your dentist will perform a full evaluation and prescribe the course of action that best suits your case. You can also have sensitive teeth because the enamel layer on your teeth is naturally thin.

There are types of toothpaste and mouthwashes specifically designed for use with sensitive teeth. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatment, a crown, a gum graft, or a root canal. The treatment chosen depends on the severity of your case. Gum retraction can also be genetic, meaning the condition is hereditary. Dental care for retracted gums includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth by a dental professional.

They may also show you proper brushing techniques. Serious cases may need to be treated with a gum graft or other type of surgery. The base or root of the tooth can become infected and swell with bacteria. This happens most often due to cavities, cracks, or fractures in the tooth. Root infection can cause damage to the tissues and nerves of the tooth and, eventually, to the development of abscesses.

Chronic throbbing toothache (lasting and persistent) is a sure sign of a root infection. Both chewing and biting will be painful, and the part of the mouth where the infection is found will be very sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. In some cases, the area of the face around the infection also becomes inflamed. A root infection is treated with a root canal. And while many of us shudder in fear at the thought of having a root canal performed, it is actually very safe and causes minimal pain since dentists use anesthesia while performing root canals. Oral health refers to the health of our teeth, gums and entire oral-facial system which allows us to smile, speak and chew properly.

Some of the most common diseases that affect our oral health include cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, orofacial clefts, noma (serious gangrenous disease that begins in the mouth and mainly affects children) and oral injuries. Tooth loss is often an end result of a lifelong history of oral disease mainly advanced tooth decay and severe periodontal disease but it can also be due to trauma and other causes.

Gingivitis

is the earliest stage of gum disease which is an infection of tissues around teeth caused by plaque buildup. If you have gingivitis your gums can easily become red, swollen and bleed plus you may experience bad breath because gum disease is usually painless so you may not know that you have it. Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and treatable in their early stages such as dental cavities (cavities), periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral cancers. Most cases are preventable through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste plus flossing once daily plus having regular checkups with your dentist for professional cleaning. In conclusion, it's important to take good care of your teeth by brushing twice daily plus flossing once daily plus having regular checkups with your dentist for professional cleaning in order to prevent any type of teeth diseases.